Supplyline
HRS extends rates categories
Hotel portal HRS is now offering affiliated hotels the opportunity to target potential guests even more precisely . Hotel partners of HRS now can use the new “ economy room ” category as well as up to three restrictive rates known as “ hot deals .”
These “ economy rooms ” differ from hotels ’ standard rooms in terms of location , facilities and size . Exact differences are indicated explicitly for the customer in the hotel description .
Hoteliers also can start using three restrictive rates online with particular conditions attached such as time constraints on advanced booking , minimum stay limits or restricted cancelation policies . Previously , only one “ hot deal ” rate was shown on the system .
Sustainability to be recognized at Internorga
The Internorga Future Award , which will be presented at the Internorga opening ceremony March 7 , honors sustainable corporate management and products in two categories . The “ Top Runner Product ” is aimed at exhibitors at Internorga while the “ Top Runner Application ” targets hoteliers , restaurant owners and others visiting the international trade show .
Nominees can be companies that implement innovative concepts for energy and material use efficiency , intelligent recycling solutions , exemplary social responsibility or smart strategies for sustainability . Winners are selected by judges led by J . Daniel Dahm . Nominations can be submitted online at internorga . com until January 15 .
Meliá partners with Microsoft
Meliá Hotels International and Microsoft Ibérica have signed a partnership agreement aimed at promoting innovative technology for Meliá ’ s 350 hotels in 35 countries .
As part of the agreement , Meliá Hotels International will migrate its systems to a model based on Microsoft cloud computing technology . Other action areas include the creation of a technological infrastructure based on Office 365 , the evaluation of a digital marketing platform that may offer a 360-degree view of customers along with integrated management of marketing activities and multi-channel experiences and the introduction of virtual hotel reception areas . Both companies will also work on the development of technologies for the so-called “ hotel room of the future .”
IN BRIEF
ZIEHER PLATTER HONORED
“ Collina ,” the double-walled porcelain platter from Zieher , won the “ homesolute . award 2012 ” in the Lifestyle category .
� A-1 Textiles & Hospitality Products has named Corey McCarthy vice president of marketing .
� Beech Ovens has installed stone hearth ovens , duck ovens and tandoors in restaurants at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi .
� Concept Amenities has named Margaret O ’ Driscoll director of sales for Asia Pacific .
� The Orlando , Florida , office of VOA Associates will serve as design architect , planner and interior designer for the upcoming B resort in the Walt Disney World Resort .
� The Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality , Tourism , and Sports Management offers an M . S . in Hospitality Industry Studies with coursework including industry-specific case studies that provide a McCarthy framework for mastering analytical methods , strategic management and business principles .
� ITS RezExchange has named Edwin Leenheer managing director .
� iBAHN has installed Florida ’ s largest 802.11N wireless Internet network at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach .
� Locatel has acquired Docomo Intertouch Europe , along with its suite O ’ Driscoll of solutions for Internet access , in-room entertainment technologies and managed web platforms for hotels .
� Innvision has debuted Innvision Design Atlanta , a design and procurement center that will focus exclusively on the firm ’ s offerings to the upscale and luxury hotel market .
� MaxLite has appointed Francisco Garza product marketing manager .
Garza
60 HOTELS December 2012 www . hotelsmag . com